Purpose & Objectives

This lesson's purpose is to demonstrate the role that the fear of the LORD plays in making and maturing disciples, and in church growth.

Memory Verse for Week 5:
2 Cor 5:11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
Lesson Background

Jesus told his disciples to "make disciples of all nations, teaching them to do all that I have commanded you." Making disciples begins with conversion, resulting from evangelism. Some have forgotten that the measure of success is conformance of each life to the commandments of Jesus - not the number of decisions, size of attendance, political impact, or frequency of meetings.
As Paul stated, "we strive to present every man complete in Christ Jesus." As our memory verse reminds us, we begin the discipleship process in the fear of the LORD by striving to persuade unbelievers to surrender to Christ. But we must be honest with ourselves and with others about the cost of discipleship. Even Lenin, speaking of the total commitment required to change the world for the cause of communism said, "I do not care if the masses believe. Give me but 20 men who regard themselves as '�dead men on furlough' and I will change the world." Is not our cause worthy of our very lives?
Definitions � Reminder from Week 1
  1. The fear of the LORD is a profound love and deep respect for God
  2. The fear of the LORD is simply taking God seriously � he keeps his promises and expects us to obey his commands.
  3. The fear of the LORD is the attitude that results from knowing that God is watching my every action, weighing my every motive, and aware of my every thought.
  4. The fear of the LORD means to love what God loves, and hate what he hates.
Day One Homework
Scripture Reading: Making disciples. Matthew 28:19-20. Luke 14:26-33. Mathew 10:34-39. John 12:26
  1. Matthew 28:19-20. What result is fulfilling the great commission supposed to produce? Compare this to what you observe in most churches.

 
 
  1. Matthew 10:34-39. Luke 14:26-33. John 12:26. What sacrifice does Jesus require of every disciple? Is this a single act or a daily lifestyle?

 
 
 

Day Two Homework

Scripture Reading: The goal and method of discipleship. Luke 6:40. 1 Corinthians 4:16, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:6. 1 Thessalonians 2:14. Hebrews 6:12 & 13:7. Colossians 1:28.
  1. Luke 6:40. How does a mature disciple live?

 
  1. 1 Corinthians 4:16, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:6. What method should we use to 'grow' as a disciple?

 
  1. Hebrews 6:12 and 13:7. What / whom are we to imitate?

 
 
  1. Colossians 1:28. The Greek word used here for 'perfect' means "complete � having all parts fully developed and properly put to use." Describe a 'perfect' disciple.

 
 
 

Day Three Homework

Scripture Reading: Church growth & evangelism. Acts 2:32-47
  1. Acts 2:32-41. This is the first recorded 'evangelistic outreach' in the New Testament, where people are invited to respond to the gospel. What are the elements of Peter's message?

 
  1. Acts 2:43. What was the attitude of the new believers

 
 
  1. Acts 2:42-47. Describe the lifestyle of the new believers.

 
  1. Acts 2:47. What did the LORD do in response to this combination of attitude and lifestyle?

 
 
  1. What changes in the attitude and lifestyle of our church are needed if we are to conform to this pattern?

 
 
 

Day Four Homework

Scripture Reading: Church growth and evangelism. Acts 5:1-14. Acts 2:43. Acts 9:31. 2 Corinthians 5:11
  1. 2 Corinthians 5:11. What is the apostle's motivation for persuading others?

 
  1. Acts 5:1-14. Why did God kill Ananias and Sapphira?

 
 
  1. Acts 5:5,11. How did the church respond to God's judgment?

 
 
  1. Acts 5:12-14. Did some people stay away from the church because of this event? What impact did it have on church growth?

 
  1. Acts 5:12-14, Acts 2:43. What is the connection between the fear of the LORD and the working of miracles in the church?

 
 
  1. Acts 9:31. What is the connection between the fear of the LORD and church multiplication?

 
 
 
 
 
 

Day Five Homework

Scripture Reading: Church growth. Acts 19:13-20. Ezra 10:1-3.
  1. Acts 19:13-16. Were the sons of Sceva authorized to use Jesus name? Why or why not?

 
  1. Acts 19:17. How was Jesus regarded?
  1. Acts 19:18-20. What motivated the believers to publicly confess their evil deeds and repent?

 
  1. Acts 19:20. What effect did their repentance have on the growth of the church? Is the word of God going out from us in power?

 
  1. Ezra 10:1-3. The Israelites had to make a very tough decision that broke up some unauthorized marriages. What motivation did Shecaniah cite for taking this drastic step?

 
 
 

Day Six Homework

Scripture Reading: The believer's attitude toward spiritual authority. Ephesians 5:21. 2 Corinthians 7:15. John 5:23. 1 Timothy 3:8. Hebrews 13:17. Matthew 10:40-41.
  1. Ephesians 5:21. To whom are we to submit? What is the motivation for this submission?

 
  1. 2 Corinthians 7:15. What attitude did the church at Corinth display toward Timothy?

 
  1. John 5:23, Matthew 10:40-41. What attitude does God require toward his son? What attitude does Jesus expect us to show toward those whom he sends to us?

 
 
  1. 1 Timothy 3:8. What lifestyle is required of those who are selected to lead the church?

 
  1. Hebrews 13:17. What attitude and action does God require toward the leaders of his church?

 

The Last Word

  1. Summarize your learning this week in a few sentences.

  2.  
     
  3. Take time now to pray for yourself, and for each member of your study group.

Other Lessons

The Bible
The Nature of God
The Plan of God
The Law of God
The Good News
Repentance
Faith
Prayer
Baptism in Water
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Fellowship and Church
Our Mission as Christians
Deliverance from Evil
Handling Resources
Sanctification
Grace

How to Grow
a Home Group

Bible Questions
Answered! NEW!

Spirit, Soul and Body
Power in your Words
God's will on Prosperity
Secret Pre-trib Rapture?
Fasting
Divine Healing
Spiritual Warfare
The Tree of Life
Tree of Knowledge
Eternal Security

The Lord's Supper
Evangelism
Prayers based on the Word

Audios